A “very special” edition of the Cubs Convention kicked off Friday with the return of Sammy Sosa from Cubbie exile after 20 years, the introduction of new star Kyle Tucker and powder blue alternate jerseys and the same old hopes and dreams of the last 39 years.

Former right fielder Sammy Sosa will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this year, alongside former first baseman Derrek Lee, the team announced at the annual Cubs Convention on Friday.

Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts announced at tonight’s Cubs Convention Opening Ceremony that former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and outfielder Sammy Sosa will be inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame this year.

Former Cubs star Sammy Sosa was elected to the team's Hall of Fame along with former first baseman Derrek Lee.

RIcketts on Sosa reunion: "We can just accept the fact that there were a lot of guys doing things that the league was discouraging."

Sammy Sosa headed up the steps and onto the stage, clutching a small American flag in his right hand. The former Cubs icon beamed as he jogged across the platform, reaching down to high-five some fans as he soaked in the cheers and familiar chants of his name.

Organizers said they expect bigger crowds than normal this year with the return of legendary slugger Sammy Sosa.

Former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa is introduced as he returns to Chicago at the opening ceremony of the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk on Jan. 17, 2025. The convention continues through Sunday. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Sammy Sosa's 13-year stint with the Chicago Cubs came to an end after the 2004 season. During that run, he won MVP (1998), led the MLB in home runs twice (2000, '02), won six Silver Sluggers and made seven All-Star Games. Now, more than 20 years after he left the Windy City, Sosa will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.

A month after Sammy Sosa released an apology letter regarding "mistakes" he made during his MLB career, the Chicago Cubs announced that the slugger will enter the team's Hall of Fame this summer along with former first baseman Derrek Lee.

After over two decades away from the franchise, Sammy Sosa was finally welcomed back at Cubs Convention last night.